MHAPA, like all gathered, oppose HB 218. The proposed budget includes a reduction of $5 million in community mental health county allocations. This cut will jeopardize available funding to serve individuals leaving state hospitals to live in the community with related impact on serving individuals in the forensic unit.

In addition, it includes a $4 million reduction in county behavioral health funding, which would eliminate the amount that was included for treatment costs for 1,200 individuals not eligible for Medical Assistance who are newly able to receive substance use disorder treatment through the Centers of Excellence.

The Senate has not yet voted on a budget bill. Contact your PA Senator and let them know you support budgets that work for the people of Pennsylvania’s health and well-being and that HB 218 is bad for all of us! Contact them today.